Itoko
Japanese restaurant · Lakeview ·
Sushi, robata grill, and extensive sake selection
Sushi, robata grill, and extensive sake selection
"Itoko in Lakeview is from the same team behind Momotaro, and has a similar aesthetic and Japanese fusion menu. Focus on the sushi, from standard nigiri to shareables like DIY handrolls where everyone will let you hog the caviar since it’s your night after all. Definitely save room for dessert—the orange kakigori or mochi donut with matcha semifreddo are excellent, and neither is as flammable as a sheet cake." - adrian kane, veda kilaru, nick allen, john ringor
"Finding high-end sushi spots that welcome children is hard. Itoko, which features food from Gene Kato, goes all out along Southport — a street where you’ll see more than your share of strollers. Itoko is a sophisticated Japanese restaurant from Boka with bento box kids meals (in cute plastic boxes!), and a high-tech diaper-changing table that uses UV to disinfect. It shares space with GG’s Chicken Shop and Little Goat Diner, but Itoko is worth mentioning because it’s an upscale spot where (well-behaved) kids can be kids." - Naomi Waxman
"A Japanese restaurant in Lakeview offering an izakaya and sushi menu." - Kevin Chau
"This Lakeview spot is from the same team behind Momotaro and has a similar Japanese fusion menu. But Itoko is much quainter—the two-story restaurant is in what feels like a revamped house. Focus on the sushi, salmon, and definitely save room for dessert, like the refreshing orange kakigori. The full a la carte menu is available on NYE, plus some caviar-topped specials, which is bound to be better than whatever you ate at your last house party." - adrian kane, veda kilaru
"Located in Lakeview, Itoko occupies a modern, sleek space. Guests are welcomed into this bright space with plenty of natural light, hardwood floors and wood detailing on the ceiling with pops of gray and cream throughout. Meanwhile, the large izakaya and sushi menu offers plenty to consider. From hot and cold appetizers to handrolls, sushi and robata, the items display creative combinations with skilled execution. Start with a tom yum hand roll with sweet diced shrimp tossed in a fiery tom yum sauce or the seared mackerel, then opt for the decadent gyoza or the "slider" skewer with beef tsukune wrapped in bao buns and finished with a line of tangy miso mustard. Dessert is a dynamic finish, as in the donatsu, a donut with a donut hole for dipping in matcha semifreddo." - Michelin Inspector
